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0 ORANGEBURG, S.C. (Aug. 30, 2025) — Wofford football didn’t leave Orangeburg with a win, but the Terriers left with momentum. In a season opener defined by grit, explosive special teams, and a relentless defensive front, head coach Shawn Watson’s team pushed South Carolina State to the wire before a last-second 49-yard field goal attempt missed wide in a 16–15 loss Saturday night at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.
Bulldogs strike first
South Carolina State leaned on kicker Nico Cavanillas-Alti to grab the early lead. He hit a 33-yard field goal in the first quarter and added a 40-yarder in the second for a 6–0 advantage.
The Bulldogs controlled time of possession throughout the half, but Wofford’s defense kept the Terriers within striking distance, forcing three field goals instead of giving up touchdowns (box score).
Alexander flips momentum
The momentum shifted on one play. Freshman returner Colby Alexander delivered an 89-yard kickoff return touchdown, slicing through South Carolina State’s coverage unit to put Wofford on top 7–6 at halftime.
The return — highlighted on Wofford Athletics — gave the Terriers their first lead and electrified the sideline heading into the locker room.
Bulldogs reclaim lead
Cavanillas-Alti’s third field goal, a 24-yarder midway through the third quarter, put South Carolina State back ahead 9–7 (SC State recap).
Pulley, Ketchin and Maina fuel surge
Wofford football’s special teams unit struck again early in the fourth quarter. Maximus Pulley blocked a punt, and linebacker Perrin Ketchin scooped it up for a touchdown, flipping the score to 13–9 Terriers.
Minutes later, the defense added to the tally. Defensive lineman Brandon Maina sacked quarterback William Atkins IV in the end zone for a safety, stretching Wofford’s lead to 15–9 with just over nine minutes left.
Bulldogs finish late
South Carolina State had the final answer. Backup quarterback Ryan Stubblefield led a 74-yard drive, connecting with Shamontae Burgess on a 12-yard touchdown pass with 1:29 remaining. The extra point pushed the Bulldogs in front 16–15 (play-by-play).
Final drive comes up short
The Terriers weren’t done. Quarterback Jayden Whitaker completed two key passes, and running back Gerald Modest Jr. ripped off a run that moved Wofford into long field-goal range.
With four seconds left, the Terriers lined up for a 49-yard potential game-winner, but the kick missed wide, sealing the one-point defeat.
Terrier takeaways
The numbers leaned toward South Carolina State, which outgained Wofford 414–142 and held the ball for more than 34 minutes. But the Terriers countered with two non-offensive touchdowns, a defensive safety, and a last-chance drive in the final seconds — all signs of resilience.
Whitaker finished 6 of 21 for 56 yards, while Modest Jr. led the ground game with 34 yards. The defense produced five sacks, highlighted by Maina’s safety. Alexander emerged as a special teams weapon with his long return.
Positive outlook ahead
In Watson’s third season, Wofford football proved it can create game-changing plays in all three phases. Though the Terriers slipped just short, the performance underscored their ability to compete on the road against a quality opponent.
Wofford (0–1) now turns to its home opener at Gibbs Stadium, aiming to turn the lessons from the narrow loss into momentum for the rest of the season.
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